Earlier today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletic Director Milton Overton notified Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., of his plans to accept a position at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia as athletic director. Overton will assume his new position on December 1, 2017. He began his tenure at FAMU in August 2015.
“We are highly appreciative of the work AD Overton has done during his tenure at FAMU and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Robinson said. “This opportunity moves him closer to his family.”
Overton thanked Dr. Robinson, Board of Trustees Chair Kelvin Lawson, and the FAMU community “for embracing our department’s effort to build champions in the classroom, on the field and in life with academic excellence and integrity.”
Robinson has named FAMU graduate John Eason as the interim athletic director. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FAMU and served as a member of the Rattler football team. He retired at the end of 2015 from the University of Georgia as its director of player development.
“Mr. Eason is well-equipped to help keep our program moving forward,” said Robinson, who announced that he would immediately launch a national search for Overton’s permanent replacement.
FAMU
FAMU Board of Trustees Extends Interim President Larry Robinson’s Contract
Yesterday, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to extend the contract of Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
The contract is effective September 15, 2017 through September 14, 2018.
“The unanimous vote is not only another signal of our confidence in the current leadership of Dr. Robinson and his team, but it is also a continuation of our journey toward making a good and thoughtful decision on selecting the next permanent president of Florida A&M University,” said Board of Trustees Chair Kelvin Lawson. “Extending Dr. Robinson’s contract gives us time to weigh our options, post the next Board of Governors’ meeting, to determine if we will conduct a national search or ask Dr. Robinson to continue his work as the permanent president. The Board is committed to making the best decision for our university.”
Dr. Robinson expressed his appreciation for the confidence and support of the trustees and reiterated his commitment to serving the University.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve this great institution as interim president and humbled by the vote of the Board of Trustees,” said Robinson. “I remain dedicated to working with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters to ensure that the goals of the University are successfully accomplished.”
Dr. Robinson has served as the interim president since September 15, 2016, and previously served in the capacity from July 2012 to April 2014 and in 2007.
FAMU Announces Homecoming Gala to Celebrate 130th Anniversary
FAMU Announces Homecoming Gala to Celebrate 130th
Anniversary and Raise Support for Need-Based Scholarships
This October, Florida A&M University (FAMU) will kick off its celebration of 130 years of providing “Excellence With Caring” to scholars and communities around the globe.
FAMU will host a masquerade-themed gala at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m., during Homecoming week. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The formal event will feature entertainment from popular performance group, Tallahassee Nights Live, and serve as a community fundraiser to support need-based scholarships for FAMU students.
“This is an exciting time for FAMU,” said Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We have another opportunity to pay homage to FAMU’s legacy of providing affordable educational pathways that have a positive impact on the economic reality of countless families and communities. We also look forward to coming together to show our students that we support them and are committed to their success.”
While FAMU scholars represent some of the best and brightest in the country, approximately 65 percent of its undergraduate students are considered Pell Grant eligible. This often translates into many enrolled students facing limited financial resources and thus working full-time and part-time, which can impede student progress. The goal of the gala is to help eliminate these obstacles for as many students as possible and shorten their time to obtaining a college degree.
“We are inviting our alumni, faculty and staff, community supporters and business partners to help us celebrate FAMU’s impact by investing in our students through ticket purchases or becoming event sponsors,” said Kathy Y. Times, Executive Associate Director of Communications. “Homecoming brings in thousands of Rattlers and supporters from around the nation each year. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to rally support for our students, while bringing the community together to experience FAMU with an evening of live entertainment and great food.”
Now through Aug. 31, individual tickets are available for a discounted rate of $100. After Aug. 31, tickets will be sold at $130 and can be purchased at www.FAMU.edu/130 or via Ticket Master. Tickets may also be purchased at the University box office, located at 1800 Wahnish Way, Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.
Sponsorship packages range from $1,500 to $25,000 and are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 850-599-3413.
The full schedule of events for Homecoming week will be unveiled later this month.
FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Issues Statement Regarding the Resignation of Trustee Gary McCoy
It is with much regret that I announce that Florida A&M University (FAMU) Trustee Major General (Ret.) Gary McCoy has decided to resign from the FAMU Board of Trustees. The decision was made for personal reasons and reached after consultation with his family and much prayer.
Trustee McCoy provided significant value and contributions to our board and his presence will be missed. The retired U.S. Air Force general was a driving force in crafting a plan for our board evaluation process and served as chairman of the Governance Committee.
During my conversation with Trustee McCoy, he stressed how honored he was to have the opportunity to serve on FAMU’s board and support the FAMU family, after being appointed in 2015. He also shared his pleasure with the direction the board is heading and voiced his regret that he cannot stay engaged and finish his appointment, which was scheduled to end in 2020.
Trustee McCoy approached his board assignments with tremendous sincerity and great humility. He made one request, and that is for us to stay in touch with him to provide key updates about the University.
Trustee McCoy has been in contact with Governor Rick Scott’s office, which accepted his resignation on July 31. The governor’s office will quickly begin the process of working to find a replacement for Trustee McCoy.
Kelvin Lawson
Chair, Florida A&M University Board of Trustees
FAMU Receives Grant from Intel to Promote Diversity in Technology
Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced today that it is receiving a grant from Intel Corporation to expand pathways for more women and underrepresented minorities to enter and succeed in tech fields.
The partnership is a part of the Intel Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Grant Program, which was developed to increase the number of African Americans who pursue degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science. FAMU will be awarded $550,000 over a three-year period to offer two-year scholarships. Up to 26 junior to doctorate level students majoring in these areas will reap the benefits.
In addition, the partnership will help to support student tutoring and mentoring programs, labs, research experiences and workshops that will encourage collaboration between academia and the technology industry to equip students with the relevant skills needed to succeed in the technology sector.
The partnership will also encourage professional development, including consideration for an internship or full-time job at Intel upon graduation.
“We are thrilled to partner with Intel to expand scholarship opportunities for our computer science and engineering students,” said George Cotton, FAMU’s vice president for University Advancement. “This FAMU grant will not only help our talented students to excel academically without the burden of debt but also paves the way for the University to produce more women and underrepresented minorities working in STEM.”
Intel developed the concept for the HBCU Grant Program in 2015 after the corporation set a bold goal of reaching full representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the U.S. workforce by 2020. As a result, Intel committed $300 million to support diversity in technology initiatives, investing in education pathway programs, university partnerships, diverse entrepreneurs, anti-online harassment initiatives and spending with diverse suppliers.
Nearly $5 million was earmarked to encourage students to remain in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathways at HBCUs. FAMU was among only six universities to be selected for the program.
“As we work to build a more diverse, inclusive workplace, it’s vital that we continue developing pathways for exceptional, diverse STEM talent – not only to encourage them to pursue STEM, but to ensure they’re supported with the best possible resources,” said Barbara Whye, chief diversity and inclusion officer and vice president of Human Resources at Intel Corporation. “Our work with HBCUs will give students the tools they need to excel in STEM careers, and we hope they will bring their great minds to Intel.”
FAMU Presents Aggressive Plan to Enhance Student Success, University Performance
On Wednesday, Florida A&M University Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., presented the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) with plans to enhance student success, strengthen academic programs and improve University operations.
Robinson was among state university leaders presenting their 2017 Work Plans during the BOG’s June meeting. His presentation highlighted initiatives designed to improve student outcomes, including increasing retention and graduation rates. These efforts include enhancing the University’s student advisement system, restructuring recruitment and enrollment management, and expanding academic support services.
Dr. Robinson also pointed to FAMU’s recent success in acquiring external funding and leveraging partnerships to generate additional support to increase student success outcomes.
- In June, FAMU received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase student success and degree production in STEM disciplines.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded FAMU a $15 million grant to establish the Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, which will provide internships and other student support opportunities.
- FAMU signed a $5 million agreement with Lockheed Martin that will allow students and faculty to assist with the design of space systems used for NASA exploration.
Another student success initiative is the development of specialized 2+2 articulation agreements with members of the Florida College System. These agreements will allow FAMU to significantly increase enrollment of community college transfer students by providing seamless pathways to academic programs and on-time graduation. Articulation agreements have been established with Tallahassee Community College, St. Petersburg College and Valencia College. Several additional agreements with other institutions in the Florida College System are forthcoming.
The Board of Governors also released its performance-based funding scores for 2015-2016. FAMU maintained its score from the previous year, earning points in eight of the 10 performance metric categories. These areas included:
- An increase in the percent of bachelor’s degree graduates enrolled in graduate school or employed at $25,000 or more annually (from 61.8 percent to 64.6 percent)
- An increase in the median wages of bachelor’s degree graduates employed full time one year after graduation (from $32,000 to $32,700)
- A decrease in the average cost to the student earning a bachelor’s degree (from $13,830 to $12,640 annually)
- An increase in the six-year graduation rate for first-time-in-college (FTIC) students (from 38.6 percent to 40.7 percent)
- An increase in the percentage of graduate degrees awarded in programs of strategic emphasis (from 51.5 percent to 58.2 percent)
FAMU’s average cost for students earning a bachelor’s degree was among the most affordable in the state, placing the University at No. 3 among the 12 state universities.
“Although we have made some improvements, I am not satisfied with the University’s performance,” Robinson said. “We have developed an aggressive and focused plan for improving on all aspects of the state’s performance metrics. FAMU is committed to elevating our standing in future rankings.”
To help ensure FAMU accomplishes its goals, Robinson created the Division of Strategic Planning, Analysis and Institutional Effectiveness to provide more effective management and oversight of critical academic programs and business operations. In the spring, colleges and schools with professional programs developed improvement plans with action steps to increase pass rates on licensure exams.
The University’s new five-year strategic plan also focuses on implementing initiatives that will lead to improving FAMU’s outcome on the state’s performance metrics. Earlier this month, the FAMU Board of Trustees approved the plan, which will be presented to the BOG for review and approval later this year.
“We were successful yesterday in getting the FAMU Work Plan approved by the BOG,” said FAMU Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair Kelvin Lawson. “The BOG leadership provided a fair challenge on the metrics that need to improve. We will continue to work with the BOG and our own BOT to provide the right level of focus, resources and support to achieve the needed metric growth.”
Lawson added, “The University has laid the foundation for increasing our performance in key strategic areas. Our board and the administration are aligned on the strategic plan and the 2017 Work Plan. We now have to move to the proper execution of these initiatives. We are well aware of the areas that need improvement and are 100 percent committed to making the needed progress.”
While FAMU will not receive funding from the state’s performance funding allocations, based on this year’s scores, the University will continue to take proactive steps to engage stakeholders, the BOG, legislators and public and private partners to secure funding and resources to improve student success and recruit and retain the best and brightest students. The administration will leverage funding from these sources to absorb the non-recurring performance funds that previously supported University initiatives.
“I’d like to acknowledge the support of our Board of Trustees, administrative team, staff, faculty and students, who remain committed to an improved outcome in the future,” Robinson said. “We appreciate the comments provided by the Board of Governors members, and we look forward to their continued support of FAMU’s efforts.”
National Science Foundation Awards FAMU $2M Grant to Enhance Student Success in STEM
Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been awarded a four-year, $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) to help broaden the participation of minority graduates in the nation’s science and technology workforce.
The grant, which was effective June 1, supports FAMU’s HBCU-UP project titled “Science Community of Active Learners to Enhance Achievement and Retention.” The program is designed to significantly increase student success rates in FAMU’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree programs.
Key areas of focus include:
- Improving the academic preparedness of freshman STEM students, so they are better equipped for the rigor of upper-division STEM major courses, graduate school and the global marketplace
- Increasing the retention, persistence and graduation rates of STEM students
- Increasing the number of students at the University pursuing STEM degrees
- Providing professional development opportunities for STEM faculty to study best teaching practices
Maurice Edington, Ph.D., vice president for Strategic Planning, Analysis and Institutional Effectiveness, serves as the principal investigator for the project. FAMU professors Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., Desmond Stephens, Ph.D., and Paulette Reneau, Ph.D., join him as co-investigators.
“I am tremendously excited about this program, which will support FAMU’s ongoing efforts to increase retention and graduation rates and enhance degree production in high-demand areas,” Edington said. “The grant also aligns with several of the priorities outlined in the new University strategic plan, which focuses heavily on providing exceptional student experiences and supporting faculty excellence.”
The grant marks the second NSF HBCU-UP award for Edington and his team. They are completing a four-year, $1.6 million award that was received in 2013 for a project entitled “Student Centered Active-Learning and Assessment Reform.”
Entertainer K. Michelle Among FAMU’s Distinguished Alumni Honored in Baltimore
Left to right standing: Kelvin Lawson, Rufus R. Little, III, Teddy B. Taylor,
Col. Marion C. Carrington, Artie Polk, D. Min., and Wendell Duggins.
Seated: Angela Adams Suggs, Larry Robinson, Ph.D., Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark,
Doris Hicks (Distinguished Alumni Awards chair) and Lynette P. Wims.
(Photo Credit: Victor Gaines)
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Distinguished Alumni Award celebrates the extraordinary contributions and achievements of select FAMU graduates. On May 26, nine FAMU alumni received the prestigious award during a black-tie gala at the FAMU National Alumni Association’s (FAMU NAA) National Convention in Baltimore.
Hundreds of alumni, FAMU trustees, Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and guests gathered to recognize the following honorees:
- Col. Cedric Carrington (Military Honoree), director of Strategic Wargaming, U.S. Army War College
- Wendell Duggins (Technology Honoree), retired senior manager, IBM
- Kelvin Lawson (Business Honoree), FAMU Board of Trustees chair and Acosta Sales and Marketing service director
- Rufus R. Little, III (Community Service Honoree), compliance and risk management professional, Infosys Ltd.
- Kimberly Michelle “K. Michelle” Pate (Entertainment Honoree), singer, songwriter and television personality
- Artie L. Polk, D. Min. (Community Service Honoree), executive pastor of Mount Gilead Baptist Church and project manager, EBA Engineering, Inc.
- Angela Adams Suggs (Athletics Honoree), senior associate athletics director, FAMU
- Ambassador Teddy Taylor (Government Honoree), U.S. Consul General, Cape Town, South Africa
- Lynette P. Wims (Education Honoree), retired educator, Broward County Public Schools
K. Michelle, entertainment honoree (Photo Credit: Victor Gaines)
The honorees represent the 27th class to receive the award. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of the University.
“It was heartwarming to hear about the accomplishments of the individuals honored,” said Robinson. “They were well deserving. Their individual and collective achievements after leaving FAMU help one to appreciate the value of a FAMU educational experience.”
FAMU NAA President Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark said the honorees have left a unique mark in the U.S. and abroad.
“They have carved out a niche in their respective fields, and they have a genuine interest in changing the lives of others,” Clark said.
About FAMU Graduates
Founded in 1887, FAMU has educated some of the best and brightest students, even enrolling more Black National Achievement Scholars than Harvard University in past years. Many FAMUans have nationally-recognized careers including film producers and engineering graduates Will Packer and Rob Hardy; actress Kelsey Scott; rapper, actor and activist Common; Tony award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose; Jami Valentine, Ph.D., the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Johns Hopkins University and many others.
FAMU Announces Spring 2017 Commencement Speakers and Honorary Doctorate Recipients
Nearly 1,200 Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduates will begin the next chapter of their lives this month as they receive their diplomas during the spring 2017 commencement exercises in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.
There will be three ceremonies. The first will take place on Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m. and two ceremonies will follow on Saturday, April 29 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Arnold Donald, president and chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & PLC, the largest travel and leisure company in the world, will address graduates on Friday, April 28. Under Donald’s leadership, Carnival’s portfolio of 10 cruise brands includes Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, all based throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.
The ceremony will include graduates from the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Education, School of Allied Health Sciences, School of Business and Industry and School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
During the ceremony, alumnus Garth C. Reeves will receive an honorary doctorate. Reeves is a business executive who is the former publisher and CEO of the Miami Times newspaper and U.S. Army combat veteran who served during World War II.
He was the organizing chairman of the board of the National Industrial Bank, widely recognized as the first integrated bank in the state of Florida.
Also, alumni from the classes of 1947, 1957 and 1967 will celebrate their respective anniversaries as graduates from the University. Among the alumni celebrating will be former FAMU President Frederick S. Humphries, Ph.D., who will mark his 60th anniversary as an alumnus.
Roslyn M. Brock, chair emeritus of the NAACP Board of Directors and vice president for Advocacy and Government Relations for Bon Secours Health System, Inc., will serve as the commencement speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, April 29. Brock is the youngest person to be elected chair of the NAACP Board of Directors.
The 9 a.m. ceremony will include graduates from the College of Science and Technology, College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and the School of the Environment.
Thomas W. Dortch Jr., a member of the FAMU Board of Trustees and chairman and CEO of TWD, Inc., will serve as the commencement speaker at 2 p.m., on Saturday, April 29. Dortch is chair emeritus of the 100 Black Men of America, which expanded globally under his leadership. He is the first African American in U.S. Senate history to serve as state director and chief administrator for a U.S. Senator.
The ceremony will include graduates from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, College of Law, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Architecture and Engineering Technology and School of Nursing.
An honorary doctorate will be awarded posthumously to Raymond A. Brown, one of the most influential criminal and civil rights attorneys of the century. A U.S. Army Veteran, who served during World War II, Brown became one of the first African-American officers in the desegregated Army before retiring from the National Guard at the rank of full colonel. In addition to serving as a volunteer lawyer for the NAACP, he also served as president of the New Jersey Chapter of the NAACP for 12 years.
Tonight: CRC Holds Public Hearing at FAMU in Tallahassee
Tonight beginning at 5:00 PM, the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU).
Members of the media wishing to attend are asked to bring their press credentials. The event will also be live-streamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
WHAT: Public hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
WHEN: Wednesday, April 12, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)
*End time is tentative depending upon attendance and public interest in speaking before the CRC. All Floridians wishing to speak before the CRC will be given an opportunity to be heard.
WHERE: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
Efferson Student Union, Grand Ballroom
1628 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, Fla. 32307
Google Map Link to Efferson Student Union: bit.ly/EffersonStudentUnionMap
PARKING: Complimentary parking will be available on the FAMU campus in the “Gravel Lot” & FAMU Band Practice Field Parking Lot located at the cross of Osceola St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Google Map Link to Public Parking: http://bit.ly/FAMUBandParkingLot
Individuals requiring an accommodation to participate in public hearings (such as a sign language interpreter) are requested to notify the Constitution Revision Commission five days prior to the scheduled meeting date at [email protected] or 850.717.9550.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit FLCRC.GOV. Follow the CRC on Twitter @FloridaCRC and like the CRC on Facebook @FloridaCRC.
